Most folks replace their gutters when they get a new roof. If your current gutters are made of high-quality material and in terrific shape, it’s not required. Your roofing team can protect and preserve your gutters as they work. But if your gutters are old or damaged, it can create problems for your new roof from the start. So it often makes sense to do everything at once.
How Do Gutters Protect My Roof and Home?
This Old House calls gutters the “unsung heroes of roof-water management.” That’s because they channel water away from your roof, siding, and foundation and prevent leaks and damage.
We can attach them to your fascia, the flat board that runs along the lower edge of your roof. This option is more secure and preferable when possible. However, gutters can also be attached to the roof itself when necessary. When we attach gutters to the fascia, we use strong brackets that provide support underneath, creating an ideal situation for maximum support. We then attach the gutter to a downspout on the side of your home. It draws water off the roof and away from the house. High-quality gutters improve your exterior in the following ways:
- Protect your roof from leaks
- Direct water away from walkways, patios, and basements
- Add value and curb appeal
- Protect brick and concrete from drip lines and discoloration
- Protect your foundation from sinking
- Preserve decks, doors, and garage doors from damage
- Prevent landscape erosion
What Are Gutters Made Of?
We have more choices than ever in size, shape, and materials for our gutters. Vinyl is the cheapest option but isn’t very durable. Metal gutters are long-lasting and attractive. For high-end homes, some consumers choose more expensive metals like copper and zinc. However, coated aluminum is also an excellent choice at a reasonable price. It’s strong, durable, attractive, and available in a wide range of colors. Coated aluminum gutters can last up to 25 years and often come with a solid warranty. You can also choose between a semi-circular or square-bottomed shape.
Should I Replace My Gutters When I Replace My Roof?
Blocked or damaged gutters often mean leaky roofs. If you replace your roof and leave aging gutters in place, it can set you up for problems down the road. When we replace a roof, we want to make sure gutters are clean and in excellent shape to protect your new roof. We also want them to look terrific and match the roof for curb appeal. If you have pricey, high-quality gutters, we don’t need to replace them while replacing your roof. If they’re attached to the fascia, your roofing contractor can even leave them in place while they work. However, most clients opt to replace gutters when they get a new roof for both practical and esthetic reasons.
Do I Need A Separate Gutter Company?
Most roofing contractors do gutters too. Choosing a one-stop shop ensures that materials and colors match your roof for a harmonious look. DryHome Roofing & Siding is a full-service roofing contractor with gutter experts on staff. We use high-quality Aleris gutters made from heavy-duty aluminum with a unique coating that stands up to all weather conditions. Aleris gutters are known for exceptional quality and come with a 20-year warranty. They’re available in a range of designer colors to complement your roof. We also install E-Z Gutter screen guards to keep gutters clear and prevent clogs and leaks. Whether you want to approach gutter replacement separately or as part of a broader roof replacement, our team has the expertise and top-notch product selection to do the job right.
